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All About Sunscreen

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Wearing an effective sunscreen on a daily basis is something that can not only prevent burning, but it can help prevent skin cancer. In 2009, the American Cancer Society said that over 1 million people would be diagnosed with skin cancer that year alone. In addition to skin cancer, a majority of skin’s premature aging and damage can be linked to sun exposure.

If you get an up close look at the skin of those who do not wear sunscreen or who go to tanning beds (please don’t!), you most likely will notice brown spots, uneven texture and tone, more noticeable fine lines, and wrinkles.

I know so many people equate a tan with good health and http://www.guidetohealthcareschools.com can helpyou learn what it takes to be healthy in body and mind. People will argue that having a tan will make you look thinner, younger, healthier, etc. A tan, though, is evidence of skin damage rather than good health. I am super fair. I burn very easily. Any natural “tan” I get comes a couple weeks after a painful sunburn.

I am all for having a bronze glow. I don’t want to put on shorts or my bathing suit and see porcelain legs anymore than most of you do. I wear sunscreen and any tan I have comes from a bronzer or self tanner.

I really believe in my heart of hearts that wearing a natural sunscreen is one of the single most important things we can do for our skin. There is so much credible evidence out there that advocates the importance of wearing sunscreen.

I live in Upstate New York where it is cloudy for much of fall through spring. I wear my sunscreen even in January’s cloudiest days–and there are many of those days in this neck of the woods.

Avoiding harmful ingredients when it comes to sunscreen, though, can be very difficult. There are some toxic ingredients used in sunscreens and it is up to the consumers to read the ingredients list and know what it good and what is not. I want to provide you with a simple guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your family.

Here are some tips that I recommend:

*Making sure that a sunscreen’s UVA protection is sufficient is very important. Both UVA and UVB rays are harmful, but UVA rays are generally more harmful because they penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause the cell changes that are linked to cancer.

*Do not choose powders or sprays. While I realize that a spray can be quick and convenient, you end up inhaling what is in the product and this can be harmful to your health. Yes, it may take a bit longer to apply and thoroughly blend in, but you do not want to sacrifice good health and adequate sun protection by choosing the wrong formula.

*Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. This is a synthetic estrogen and some believe it can be carcinogenic. Also avoid using sunscreens with Vitamin A. If the label doesn’t say “Vitamin A”, look for its derivative Retinyl Palmitate.

*If you see a product with a label of higher than SPF 50, be suspicious. I have seen products at the store claiming to be “SPF 100+.” That sounds super protective, doesn’t it? It isn’t. The FDA says that numbers beyond SPF 50 are misleading. This gives people a false sense of safety and often makes them think they can stay in the sun all day long.

*Mineral sunscreens are best. Look for products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.These are generally a safer option because they are what is known as a physical sunscreen. They provide a barrier and reflect the UV rays. These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT NATURAL SUNSCREENS

Myth #1: Natural sunscreens are all thick and hard to rub in.

Yes, natural sunscreens generally are thicker than their chemical-laden counterparts. However, the bulk of natural sunscreens are fortified with emollients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter and more. These not only moisturize the skin, but they absorb beautifully into the skin.

Myth #2: Natural sunscreens leave a white film behind on the skin.

This is not always the case. When these products first came on the market, they were usually formulated solely around zinc oxide. This is the ingredient that blocks the sun’s rays, but it also can leave that white residue. Products are being formulated to still protect the skin naturally, but also be more user friendly nowadays.

For example, micronized titanium dioxide and coated zinc oxide particles are often used in natural sunscreens. These ingredients can make the product go on sheer.

Myth #3: Natural sunscreens do not protect your skin as well as traditional sunscreens.

Not true. As long as you use the recommend amount, natural sunscreens will work just as well as chemical sunscreens. By the way, this applies to all sunscreens. If you’re not using the proper amount, they won’t work as well.

Myth #4: Natural sunscreens are too expensive.

Natural sunscreens generally are more costly than drugstore chemical-filled and potentially harmful sunscreens. This is true.

What is so important to remember, though, is that a good sunscreen is going to be your best anti-aging product. Since much of aging can be attributed to UV damage, sunscreen usage is imperative.

Most people will not hesitate to spend quite a bit of money on a night cream or serum or on a handbag or shoes. In fact, I know of people who will spend $250 on a handbag, but do not want to spend the money on an effective natural sunscreen.

Think of it this way: you only have one skin. It should only make sense that you take care of it. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer AND help prevent the signs of aging. Not many products can say that!

Myth #5: Natural sunscreens are hard to find.

This used to be the case. Not anymore. As people become more and more aware of the importance of sun protection and harmful ingredients, more and more natural sunscreens are hitting the market. You can find wonderful natural sunscreens online at places such as Nature’s Basin, Enviroproducts World, and more. You can also find them in many retail shops. If you’re local, the natural foods section of Wegmans has many fine choices.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SUN EXPOSURE:

*Some people falsely believe that if one is olive-skinned or very dark that they won’t burn. This couldn’t be more false. Yes, these people will show a tan rather than a burn, but a tan is a key sign of sun damage at the cellular level. A tan isunhealthy. No ifs, ands or buts. In fact, many people who only tan and never burn are more likely to develop skin cancer because their skin is unprotected.

*Many people also think if they apply sunscreen, they won’t get the Vitamin D they need for their health. I know of people who skip the SPF because they claim they are “getting Vitamin D”. In reality, the NIH states that just 5 minutes of daily sun exposure is what is required for the synthethis of Vitamin D. Think of how much you get while sitting by the window or driving your car alone. Between food sources, supplements, and LIMITED exposure to the sun, you should be getting what you need.

*Men don’t need sunscreen. This is another myth. Is that man in your life applying sunscreen each day? Mine isn’t. This weekend, I watched him build a deck here and he baked in the sun all day Saturday and Sunday. He burned. He’s not worried, he says, because he’ll be tan after the burn. Boy did he get the look from me! The issue, though, is the fact that more men than women will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Men are also less likely to USE sunscreen. Advertisers also spend MUCH MORE MONEY marketing sunscreens to women. GET your man to wear sunscreen! It just may safe his life.

*I also hear many people saying they only need sunscreen on their faces. Your arms and legs need it, too. MOM, if you are reading, I am talking to you! PUT IT ON YOUR ARMS AND LEGS while you’re out walking!!!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN:

The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep just released the 2011 Sunscreen Guide and announced the winning sunscreens. Check it out today.

Disclosure

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